Transforming Angola’s Transport Infrastructure

Angola has launched several in- frastructure projects supported by regulatory reforms and public-pri- vate partnerships. How do you see the role of these partnerships in improving transport networks ac- ross the country?

Angola gained independence in 1975 but endured 27 years of instability, war, and foreign occupation that dev- astated our infrastructure—including transport, energy, water, and bridges. This challenging period ended in 2002 with the advent of peace, leaving us with the immense task of rebuilding a country in ruins.

Between 2004 and 2005, we launched the National Reconstruction Plan to restore critical infrastructure, largely financed through strategic credit lines with China. In the transport sector, we rehabilitated ports and airports—vital for national connectivity when roads were still impassable— and restored our three major rail cor- ridors, now known as the Northern, Central (Lubito), and Southern Corridors.

When President João Lourenço took office, our focus shifted to maximizing these rehabilitated assets to drive na- tional and regional economic growth. In 2018, upon my appointment as Minister of Transport, we developed a comprehensive strategy to position the transport and logistics sector as a pillar of economic diversification. Our 25-year National Master Plan for

Transport and Road Infrastructure addresses two key challenges: improving urban mobility in rapidly growing coastal cities like Luanda and enhancing the operational efficiency of our transport networks to integrate them into global trade—reducing Angola’s dependence on oil exports.

To achieve these goals, we initiated a series of infrastructure concessions.

We started with the Porto Anda poly- valent terminal, awarded to DP World, and moved forward with flagship projects such as the Lubito Corridor, which integrates key port facilities with the Benguela Railway to connect Angola with the DRC.

We are now finalizing the concession for the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport and preparing additional projects, including the deep-water terminal in Cabinda and the Southern Corridor.

This strategy has been highly effec-tive, attracting significant international interest and unlocking private investment—highlighted by the planned 800 kilometer, US$5 billion rail line connecting Angola to Zambia.

Angola’s investment climate is increas-ingly favourable, supported by robust private investment laws, the proactive role of IPEX, attractive tax incentives, and political and social stability. Looking ahead, we are embarking on next-generation projects like Barra do Dande and the Colibene airport city, leveraging our infrastructure for long- term economic growth.

How are these policies contributing to economic growth, particularly in job creation, which the President has identified as a key priority? 

There are two key aspects to highlight.

First, our infrastructure concessions have generated substantial revenue for the state. We have already raised around US$400 million from these agreements—funds that directly strengthen public finances and support ongoing investment in national projects. 

Second, these concessions attract significant foreign direct investment without requiring state financing.

Our agreements mandate that concessionaires invest in infrastructure, operations, and workforce development. To date, at least US$1.5 billion in direct investment has been committed by concessionaires, excluding the US$4 billion earmarked for the Zambian Railway—clear evidence of our success in mobilizing private capital. 

On the employment front, Angola’s transport sector currently employs around 14,500 professionals.

The new international airport in Luanda alone is expected to create approximately 4,000 direct jobs, with each direct job in civil aviation typically generating four additional indirect jobs. Moreover, greenfield projects like the Barra do Dande airport city, designed for 360,000 inhabitants, demonstrate our longterm commitment to sustainable development and employment creation. 

Ensuring the stability and continuity of these projects is essential. Macroeconomic, political, and social stability are key to their long-term success. We are already witnessing positive impacts, particularly in Luanda and Lubito. The Lubito Atlantic Railway, which became operational in January 2024, is already improving infrastructure management, maintenance, and workforce training—exemplified by UAMBU’s efforts in developing local talent. Additionally, the recent certification of Catumbela Airport, which strengthens international air transport capacity in the region, is another encouraging milestone. 

We must remain focused on maintaining this momentum to fully achieve our strategic objectives.